Sports Correspondent

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in a precarious position in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, and their upcoming match against Zimbabwe is crucial. Nigeria has had a dismal start to the campaign, with draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, a loss to Benin Republic, and a recent win against Rwanda.

The team currently sits fourth in Group C with six points from five matches, behind South Africa (10 pts), Benin (8 pts), and Rwanda (7 pts). With only the top two teams securing direct qualification for the World Cup, every point and result is crucial.

Two upcoming fixtures, South Africa vs. Benin and Rwanda vs. Lesotho, will have significant implications for Nigeria’s qualification hopes. A win for South Africa against Benin would widen the gap between them and Nigeria, while a draw or loss could reopen the race for the top spot.

In the other match, Rwanda faces Lesotho, a team that held Nigeria to a draw in Uyo. A win for Rwanda would revive their World Cup chances, while Lesotho hopes to prove their result in Nigeria was not a fluke. For Nigeria, a win for Rwanda and a draw in this game might be the most favorable outcome.

Ultimately, Nigeria must take responsibility and win their remaining matches, including tricky away ties against Benin, Rwanda, and South Africa.

Anything short of that, and the three-time African champions risk missing out on the World Cup once again.